In a recent interview, Yu Peng, the Executive Vice President of the China Overseas Chinese Entrepreneurs Association and President of the Hubei Overseas Chinese Entrepreneurs Association, reflected on his journey from being a participant in the Huachuanghui (Overseas Chinese Innovation and Entrepreneurship Conference) to becoming one of its main organizers. “My role may have changed from participant to organizer, and now to host, but my commitment to uniting overseas Chinese businesspeople and bringing in talent, projects, and investment to Hubei hasn’t wavered,” he stated.
The Huachuanghui has become a recognized brand within the national overseas Chinese community, serving as a vital platform since 2001 for innovation and entrepreneurship among the overseas Chinese. On October 23, the 24th iteration of this conference will be held in Wuhan, marking a departure from previous years where the government took the lead. This year, it is organized by the Hubei Overseas Chinese Entrepreneurs Association and the Wuhan Overseas Chinese Investment Enterprises Association.
As both President of the Hubei Overseas Chinese Entrepreneurs Association and the Wuhan Overseas Chinese Investment Enterprises Association, Yu Peng faces increased responsibilities. He manages everything from guest invitations to overall event coordination and hospitality. Leveraging his extensive connections, he has invited leaders from overseas Chinese communities and various provincial associations to participate. He also rallied over twenty member units within the association to provide logistical support for the event.
This year’s conference will closely align with the industrial development needs of Hubei, featuring initiatives such as the “Qiaoshang Tianmen Journey” and the “Hua Lake Encounter,” aimed at enhancing the region’s economic landscape. Special sessions will focus on topics like green and low-carbon transformation, international education cooperation, and emerging industries, all geared toward attracting talent and investment.
Reflecting on a decade-long relationship with the Huachuanghui, Yu Peng recalled how it started with organizing the “Huachuanghui Silicon Valley Forum” overseas and expanded to hosting various events within China, including the “China Overseas Chinese Business Development Forum” and “Night of the Overseas Chinese.” His bond with the conference has deepened over the years.
“The Huachuanghui has created a platform for overseas Chinese to understand policies and connect with resources for entrepreneurship in China,” Yu explained. With the support of the conference, he has pursued his dream of establishing a Silicon Valley-style technology park in Wuhan and has witnessed many success stories of overseas Chinese achieving their dreams in Hubei.
Yu believes that Hubei’s central location, advantageous transportation and logistics, rich scientific talent resources, and strong industrial capabilities provide unique opportunities for overseas Chinese entrepreneurs. “We hope to strengthen the Huachuanghui brand through our efforts, attracting more overseas Chinese to invest in Hubei and supporting the region’s high-quality economic and social development,” Yu concluded.
